CB Drayton Florence placed on injured reserve, designated to return

AP PhotoDrayton Florence has been placed on injured reserve by the Detroit Lions after breaking his forearm in Sunday's game against the 49ers.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions cleared the necessary roster space to add running back Mikel Leshoure back to the active roster off the suspended list by placing cornerback Drayton Florence on injured reserve.

Florence suffered a broken forearm in the third quarter of the Lions' loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night. Despite remaining in the game, he required surgery for the injury on Monday.

As part of a new league rule, the Lions have placed a designation on Florence that allows him to return to practice in six weeks and play in games after eight.

For the time being, the Lions will carry five running backs on the active roster. The loss of Florence leaves the team with five cornerbacks, including Chris Houston and Bill Bentley, who are expected to return from injury for this Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans.